Instrument Rating

Objective:

To obtain the aeronautical knowledge and demonstrate the flight proficiency required to pass the FAA Instrument Pilot Practical test.

Requirements:

Pass the FAA knowledge written test and practical exam; hold a current private pilot or commercial certificate and a third-class medical certificate; complete a minimum of 35 hours of actual or simulated flight training instrument time (10 hours may be in a Personal Computer-based Aviation Training Device or PCATD) to include one IFR cross-country flight of at least 250 NM with an instrument approach at each airport and a total of three kinds of approaches.

Course Overview:

Your ground training is based on Cessna's exclusive CBI Instrument kit (Computer Based Ground Instruction), which uses the latest interactive CD technology to make your instrument training an effective and efficient learning experience. Concepts are studied and reviewed as you work one-on-one with your instructor. The flight and ground training relate to each other and are scheduled concurrently.

You’ll start your flight training by first learning to scan and interpret the flight instruments, and maintain aircraft control, while wearing a view-limiting device. Then you'll learn to use various navigation systems such as GPS and VOR, and fly non-precision and precision instrument approaches. You'll also plan and fly a 250 NM cross-country IFR flight. You'll finish the last 3 hours of training preparing for the flight test.

A designated FAA pilot examiner will administer the test, which consists of an oral exam and a short flight. The examiner will test your ability to fly the airplane within the Air Traffic Control system solely by reference to flight instruments. Upon completion of this test, you'll receive a new pilot license with an instrument rating.